You may recall WUWT’s coverage of Nick Drapela, a climate skeptic who was fired from his teaching job at Oregon State University. My friend and fellow climate skeptic, nationally syndicated radio host Lars Larson tips me about this story:
Chemistry instructor challenges job loss
OSU denies stand on climate change was factor
By JOCE DeWITT, Corvallis Gazette-Times
An Oregon State University chemistry instructor whose contract wasn’t renewed by OSU says he still doesn’t know the reasons why and is considering legal action.
Nick Drapela, who has taught at OSU for 10 years, says he was told in late May that he would not be invited back for the coming academic year. Drapela said he suspects OSU’s decision is because he has spoken out against the idea that humans are responsible for climate change.
OSU says there’s no connection.
Steve Clark, OSU’s vice president of university relations and marketing, said he couldn’t discuss specific details about the case, citing confidentiality laws that he said prohibit him from sharing protected employee information.
But, Clark said, OSU does not have an institution-wide policy on climate change. In addition, he said, personal beliefs and activities do not play a role in the conditions of OSU employment.
Clark said Drapela’s contract was among more than 100 such contracts across the university that were not renewed. The reasons why a contract might not be renewed vary, but might include factors such as enrollment shifts reducing the demand for teachers in certain classes.
“The university does not base its policy of hiring upon people’s individual points of view or personal activities,” Clark said. “We base it on budget, upon academic requirements, we base it on performance and their academic qualifications, not their personal point of view.”
Drapela said in an interview with the Gazette-Times that his troubles with OSU began in the 2007-08 academic year, about the same time he went public with his climate-change doubts. He said, for example, that he became the target of untrue statements made in public meetings at OSU. Drapela said he didn’t want to discuss other issues because they might jeopardize any legal case.
Full story at Corvallis Gazette-Times
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OSU has a history of pushing out people who are climate change skeptics, State Climatologist George Taylor, also based at OSU and a prominent skeptic was pushed out of his position there due to disagreement over the climate change issue.
George Taylor was unpopular partly because he told the truth about snowpack in the Pacific NW. He insisted that snowfall was cyclical, while alarmists falsely claimed that global warming had reduced snowfall. Taylor has been vindicated by the heavy snowfalls with the return of the cool PDO.
http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/pacific_northwest_snow_pack_the_true_story/
davidmhoffer says:
July 5, 2012 at 12:10 am
Allan MacRae;
apart from some unpleasantries in 1812, when we burned the White House
>>>>>>
Alas, you’ve been had.
In American history books, the White House partially burned in 1812.
In Canadian text books, we invaded the United States and partly burned down the White House.
In British text books, the British garrison stationed in Halifax, along with a few recruits pressed into service, marched on Washington and partly burned down the White House.
For all I know, all three version are wrong!
>>>>>>
Dear David,
With respect, most Canadians really don’t care about the details of burning the White House during the War of 1812 – we’re just happy that Toronto burned to the ground!
Best, Allan
Hasn’t Oregon been bitterly cold the past several years? The Force must be getting pretty testy having to pull on their Mackinaws in summertime to make AGW speeches.
As mentioned, a rigourous discovery process would likely turn up many more scurrying bugs under the rocks. OSU may have bitten off more than it can chew.
Oregon State University alumni newsletter carries this article from its “Daily Barometer”, update on Drapela dismissal at:
http://www.dailybarometer.com/news/chemistry-off-between-osu-drapela-1.2879636?compArticle=yes#.T_y-R_W8GKA
“There are two sides to every story, especially when the story is clouded in controversy and speculation.
“On May 29, former Oregon State University Chemistry Professor Dr. Nicholas Drapela was informed by the chair of the chemistry department, Rich Carter, that his services were no longer needed and that he would not be brought back to teach next year.
“While that fact is clear, little else is. The reason for the decision is a mystery, and one that may never fully come to light.”